Arakkal Museum

The museum is in the palace of the Ali Rajas of Arakkal royal family and is the one and only Muslim dynasty of Kerala who have a history dating back to 12th century AD. The queens of Arakkal are addressed as ‘Beevis’ . The palace is called Arakkal Kettu and is considered to be 200 years old. Arakkal Kettu consists of palace, pandippura (the entrance), administrative block, residential houses, mosques, Panndikasalas(the store house for trading)and all construction is in late rite and wood with tiled roofs. A huge bell of bronze weighing almost 80kg,from Arabia can be seen on the bell tower near the main gate. Two old mosques, artistically constructed are situated nearby and are worth visiting. A traditional oil lamp is kept lit in one of the bungalows and is called Kedavilakku. The palace complex is now under the department of Archeology.

The Durbar hall has been converted into a museum and was opened to public in 2005. This is a two storied building; the second floor is utilized for displaying numerous artifacts and heirlooms belonging to the royal family. Different types of royal staffs (called Amsavadi), the musical instrument Shehnoy (locally called Cheeni), the old mechanism used as a fan, Antique telephones and Compass, Royal chairs and furniture, ceramic and glass wares,huge wooden boxes for keeping documents and valuables, spears, swords daggers, leather shields, silver and bronze utensils are showcased here. The Arakkal Trust which manages the museum has members from royal family on its board. Arakkal Kettu is situated in Ayikkara, the old town of Kannur called Kannur City, which is approximately 2.5km from the main town, 500 year old St Angelo’s fort is nearby.

Entry time 10am to 5.30pm(Monday holiday)

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